The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County reads like a Hallmark movie in the best way. It was a heartfelt, comforting read. I enjoyed the inter-generational storyline, and especially loved the chapters told from Esther's point of view. I was surprised at the depth of some of the topics, including PTSD and death of a parent, and thought they were handled well.

I didn't love the "twist" that happened around 80% - I didn't think it was needed. I also found that the jumps forward in time were tough to follow at times and could have been smoother. There were lots of references to Catholicism and religion. I'm a practicing Catholic and found these references easy to follow, but could see how other readers of different faiths might become confused or unsure of certain meanings.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and will read more by this author.

Cute and very wholesome. I saw another reviewer say this book is like a Hallmark movie, which I can agree with. Hallmark movies are basically just good vibes, with minor conflicts for plot progression, and that is how this book is. You can't get too caught up on minor details or if things are unrealistic. I have had this ARC for quite a while and it took me a good amount of time for me to get to/finish; it is not my typical read. Thank you this advanced copy.

3.5: For fans of virgin river, here’s a laugh-out-loud intergenerational story featuring the ellerie county funeral ladies aka the funniest and snarkiest grandmas ever (I LOVE THEM!) i found myself chuckling throughout this story! This book definitely surprised me - i was expecting a funny lighthearted story (and it was at times) but it also explored complex topics, like PTSD and trauma, with care! I only wish the story didn’t end! I hope to see these characters again soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this e-ARC!

I loved this book!! All of the food sounded amazing, and Esther reminded me so much of my grandmother. This book was such a delight to read, perfect for those who don’t like any spice in their books. Ellerie County sounds like the most peaceful place! Highly recommend! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I dnfed this book. It was not obvious that the book was a Christian book. I think that book descriptions need to make this clearer

Claire Swinarski's The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County unfolds a heartwarming tale set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where three generations of Larson women navigate life's challenges with a Crock-Pot, cherished recipes, and a steadfast sense of community. Esther Larson, the matriarch with seventy years of funeral cooking expertise, becomes the unexpected focus when an internet scam jeopardizes her home. The narrative weaves through small-town life, exploring the dynamics between Gen Z and baby boomers, and delves into complex familial bonds. The charm lies in the author's authentic portrayal of Wisconsin's cultural nuances, peppered with references to Kwik Trip, Spotted Cow, and Culver's. While the book expertly handles themes of PTSD and other weighty subjects, the juxtaposition of resilience, tradition, and the power of a well-cooked casserole makes The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County a delightful and poignant exploration of Midwestern life and community.

I absolutely loved this book. It was really well written and it was also surprising. Thank you for the arc. I really appreciate it.

3.5 Stars

First off, there are lots of potential triggers hidden behind this deceptively cheerful cover! PTSD, gun violence, physical violence, emotional abuse, alcoholism, parental death, cancer, child neglect, car accident, and of course grief. There is also a heavy reliance on religion, specifically Catholicism.

I wasn't expecting this to become such a heavy story. I went in thinking it would be along the lines of a TJ Klune book but it surprised me by becoming much darker. There was an undercurrent of hope and a beautiful emphasis on the importance of community but for me it wasn't enough to salvage the feel of the story. It kind of read like the author had multiple ideas they were trying to decide between and ended up choosing to use them all instead. It ended up being both too much and not enough in the end. I didn't hate this book, but there were parts of it I certainly didn't love.

When I first started this title, I questioned why I had picked another story filled with death and loss. Thankfully, while there are moments where that is part of the plot, it isn't overwhelming the overall story.

The story follows not just the 'funeral ladies', but more specifically the extended family of Esther Larson as well as the family of the recently deceased Annabelle. You dive into nuances of relationships, both long-standing and new. The author also tackles the struggles faced after trauma, both by the person who experienced the traumatic event and those who love them.

I wanted to stay up late to keep reading just a little bit more until the entire novel had been devoured. As a Catholic, I appreciated the inclusion of the Catholic faith and how it can be different across generations. While there is a story of romance in the novel, it is not a 'rom-com' style. Rather, it is gritty and more real in its portrayal.

I am now eager to read other titles written by Claire Swinarski.

Wow I loved this read. The book really got me thinking about who will become the funeral ladies in the next few years. These ladies loved fixing food for others that had problems and may have been suffering a loss. The relationships that this book brought together and the ones it restored was wonderful. A great book to read in one setting.

I honestly have mixed feelings about this book. It wasn't really what I was expecting upon reading the synopsis. I really enjoyed the ladies and how they came together to support each other as well as others.

Some aspects of the book seemed a little strange concerning the town, the characters and economic wise didn't make sense. I also wish I had a warning about some of the themes covered.

This book was overall a little underwhelming. It has some nice elements- the small town aspect was fairly well done- but other than that it was not what it seemed from the cover and description. It definitely read a bit like a crisis novel, and there wasn’t enough character development for me to care enough about the characters in crisis. There were also a bunch of references to Catholicism that came out of nowhere and seemed irrelevant to the story. Overall, it was fine, but not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

This book has it all: wonderful complex, multi-generational characters, a beautiful and unique cultural setting, and a love story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is all about female friendships, and it’s honestly so inspiring. Annie, Lily, and Joan are the main characters, and they’re all super different, but they come together in this really cool way.

The story takes place in a small town, and it’s all about how these three women support each other through thick and thin. They work together at the local funeral home, which might seem kinda weird, but it’s actually really interesting.

The writing is super engaging, and you’ll get hooked from the very beginning. You’ll love the characters, and you’ll be rooting for them the whole time. It’s like you’re part of their squad, and it feels so good to be a part of their journey.

This book is all about the power of female friendships, and it’s honestly so empowering. It shows you that no matter what life throws your way, you can always count on your girls to have your back.

So, if you're ready for a book that's equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, then "The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County" is the book for you. Just be prepared for some serious squad goals, because these ladies are the ultimate #squadgoals!

I really enjoyed The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County. The setting was perfect, I live in the Northwoods and I can tell you that it is spot on. I have been around people like Esther and her crew, people who quietly help out, never asking for recognition. They are the best of us. I know what it is like on those beautiful summer nights and also what it is like to get a foot of snow at the worst time. Living up North is not for the faint of heart, the winters are brutal. I liked all the characters and how they interacted. Of course, Esther steals the show, but she has great backup with the rest of the Funeral Ladies. I also enjoyed the whole Ivan and Cooper storyline. It was devastating at times and infuriating at others. Ivan was the one who got to me and made me cry in the end. This is one of those special books that will sit with you for a while. I find myself thinking of the characters often. As you can tell, I loved this one, and I cannot wait to read more by this author, they are one heck of a storyteller.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper for allowing me to read an ARC of The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski in exchange for my honest review.

I adored this book! The love of family and friends. Strong women who learn it's okay to accept help. The Midwestern setting. All of it!

This story also realistically addresses PTSD, alcoholism, and grieving.

I look forward to reading more from Claire Swinarski.

Told between the viewpoints of a widowed grandmother, searching granddaughter, and broken young man, The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County is filled to the brim with Midwestern charm and comfort. Esther Larson has been making meals for funerals for longer than she can remember. Charitable works are her forte. However, this goes one step too far when she falls for an online scheme. Iris Larson works alongside her family and friends to help her grandmother save her home, but also looks toward her own future and what might lie in store for her. Cooper Welsh is merely a visitor from Chicago hoping to say a quick farewell to his step-mother as she is buried in her hometown. While the tragic events of a funeral bring these three together, love, community, and good food keep them bonded.

This was a sweet and cozy novel that I enjoyed very much. The relationships between grandmother and granddaughter had me reflecting on my own relationships with elderly members of my family. The discussion and exploration of PTSD was valid and a worthwhile narrative as it impacts many people, but did feel a little rushed in the end. Overall this is a book I would recommend to folks wanting to feel warm and happy inside.

Characters - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7.5/10
Writing - 8/10
Plot - 8/10
Intrigue - 7/10
Enjoyment - 8/10

The Funeral Ladies are a group of women that have been providing comfort food for the families in their church for decades. For Esther Larson and her friends, the work they do is sacred. She takes pride in the effort she puts into each meal, and helping her people through life’s transitions is where she finds purpose. Now, Esther has fallen on hard times, and a younger generation will have to step in to save the day.

Esther is not the MC of this story- that honor falls to her granddaughter, Iris, a freelance graphic designer just out of college and trying to find her way. Iris and Cooper, who with his famous TV chef dad and younger sister, has unexpectedly ended up renting her not quite ready Airbnb cabin, come up with the idea to publish a community cookbook to raise money to help her grandmother.

This book delivers on the cozy small-town vibes I was hoping for. It also delves deeply into the topic of PTSD and how it affects sufferers and those that love them.

I 100% came for the colorful cover and cozy vibes. I liked each of the characters, especially the relationship between Iris and Esther. The sense of place in this novel is spot-on: I’ve never been to North Woods Wisconsin except in literature, but I can feel deeply what it’s like to be there.

I feel like some of the pivotal scenes for Iris and Connor that develop the threads of his trauma and how it affects their relationship were sort of glossed over. I would have liked to spent more time experiencing their feelings for one another deepening and then developing the resolution to their conflict.

Still, this book was exactly what I was hoping it would be and I enjoyed it. The characters, plot, and setting are totally relatable and left me with a warm feeling like homemade mac and cheese. 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publish date: March 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins/Avon for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was very excited for this book, as I am from Northern Minnesota and as someone from northern Minnesota, I disagree that “Northwoods” Wisconsin is southern Wisconsin. I was expecting somewhere along the shore of Lake Superior. Which isn’t a huge deal, but that was something I was bothered by. Overall, the story was interesting and the characters compelling- they were realistic portrayals of rural Wisconsinites. I personally wasn’t a huge fan of how preachy the book got at times, but the message was there. I also wish the focus was more on Esther and less of Cooper, but it was decent read nonetheless.